Day 71. Will be down for a few days.
Have not heard from the guys in a couple days. Please include them in your prayers for a continued safe journey northward to Katahdin. Thank you so much!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Almost Vermont!
Continuing on....
After staying at Upper Goosepond, Jack and Chris spent the next day hiking 21.4 miles to Dalton, Mass. They stayed at a well-known trail angel's house who for many years has provided thru-hikers like Jack and Chris with auspicious hospitality. This man opened up his home to them, offering his refrigerator to them as their own. As an outsider looking into their world, I was simply amazed at this man's Good Samaritan generosity. Here is a man whose actions speak volumes, and in an unbelievably out-of-this-world way. This host can not possibly fathom the gratitude a mother must feel that her sons were taken care of in such a way. He, as well as all those who have extended their kindness to my sons, have been part of The Way along my sons' way. So much is published of the horrendous actions of others in the media. And it is important to be cautious. Yet the number of good people and unspoken acts of charity, must outweigh the evil actions we hear reported. Yes, we don't know what lurks around the corner on such a once-in-a- lifetime adventure. But we have much more to be thankful for, just looking for it hidden behind the veil of ordinary life. So much for my reflection. Divine Providence was apparent again here and then later on yesterday morning. Jack and Chris shared their tale with two strangers along the hike and they generously helped them with their stay that night....after hiking 23.3 miles.
By the way, they climbed their first large summit since Shenandoah, VA: Mt. Greylock: elevation 3,491'. They are just a few miles from the Vermont border. The Green Mountains and sheer vertical climbs of the New Hampshire White Mountains, including Mount Washington, loom ahead in the distance. They are a long awaited challenge. States remaining: Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. They awake to begin again...day 70.
After staying at Upper Goosepond, Jack and Chris spent the next day hiking 21.4 miles to Dalton, Mass. They stayed at a well-known trail angel's house who for many years has provided thru-hikers like Jack and Chris with auspicious hospitality. This man opened up his home to them, offering his refrigerator to them as their own. As an outsider looking into their world, I was simply amazed at this man's Good Samaritan generosity. Here is a man whose actions speak volumes, and in an unbelievably out-of-this-world way. This host can not possibly fathom the gratitude a mother must feel that her sons were taken care of in such a way. He, as well as all those who have extended their kindness to my sons, have been part of The Way along my sons' way. So much is published of the horrendous actions of others in the media. And it is important to be cautious. Yet the number of good people and unspoken acts of charity, must outweigh the evil actions we hear reported. Yes, we don't know what lurks around the corner on such a once-in-a- lifetime adventure. But we have much more to be thankful for, just looking for it hidden behind the veil of ordinary life. So much for my reflection. Divine Providence was apparent again here and then later on yesterday morning. Jack and Chris shared their tale with two strangers along the hike and they generously helped them with their stay that night....after hiking 23.3 miles.
By the way, they climbed their first large summit since Shenandoah, VA: Mt. Greylock: elevation 3,491'. They are just a few miles from the Vermont border. The Green Mountains and sheer vertical climbs of the New Hampshire White Mountains, including Mount Washington, loom ahead in the distance. They are a long awaited challenge. States remaining: Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. They awake to begin again...day 70.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Days 66, 67, and 68 in Massachusetts
Last we heard from our hikers they had found lodging on a porch in Great Barrington. The owner of a bookstore, which is situated on the first floor of an old house with a front porch, graciously allowed them to camp out overnight. (They also wanted to add that before finding accommodations they went to McDonald's in GreatBarrington.)
The next morning they began walking back along U.S. 7 to their stopping point along the AT. They stopped at Dunkin' Donuts in Greater Barrington and wound up getting three sandwiches for free. They eventually got a short ride back to the trail. Back on the trail, they wound up hiking 27 muddy, rainy miles up to Upper Goosepond Cabin by 7:30 pm. There is more mud on the trail than in previous areas. They found 17/18 thru-hikers in the nice cabin shelter which exists through the help of the local ATC club and hiker donations. Blueberry pancakes were served for breakfast at Upper Goosepond. Sounded delicious, and since they don't have to worry about calories, they probably enjoyed them to their hearts' content.
Today the morning was nice but it started pouring for 30 minutes, including lightning and thunder. There was not as much concern as they are at a lower elevation than usual. Today they received three instances of trail magic: Along I-90, the Massachusetts Turnpike, theY saw a little wooden box filled with Pepsi and cookies. The second instance of trail magic was a plastic bag with apples. Finally, right before their last stop for the evening, they got gingerale.
They met 4 southbound thru-hiker siblings....ranging in age from about 19 to 26 from Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania.
Jack and Chris have been warned by other thru-hikers that they will lose another 10 pounds over the New Hampshire mountains. (They have each lost at least 20 pounds since they began the hike back in May.)
I will not post the same night's shelter out of safety precautions, at least until our hikers are well out of range.
If all goes as planned, they will probably be in Vermont in about a day. At the Vermont/Massachusetts border they will officially be 592.2 miles from Mt. Katahdin, and 1,584 miles from Springer Mountain, GA. I continue to be amazed at the capacity of hikers to walk the AT.
The next morning they began walking back along U.S. 7 to their stopping point along the AT. They stopped at Dunkin' Donuts in Greater Barrington and wound up getting three sandwiches for free. They eventually got a short ride back to the trail. Back on the trail, they wound up hiking 27 muddy, rainy miles up to Upper Goosepond Cabin by 7:30 pm. There is more mud on the trail than in previous areas. They found 17/18 thru-hikers in the nice cabin shelter which exists through the help of the local ATC club and hiker donations. Blueberry pancakes were served for breakfast at Upper Goosepond. Sounded delicious, and since they don't have to worry about calories, they probably enjoyed them to their hearts' content.
Today the morning was nice but it started pouring for 30 minutes, including lightning and thunder. There was not as much concern as they are at a lower elevation than usual. Today they received three instances of trail magic: Along I-90, the Massachusetts Turnpike, theY saw a little wooden box filled with Pepsi and cookies. The second instance of trail magic was a plastic bag with apples. Finally, right before their last stop for the evening, they got gingerale.
They met 4 southbound thru-hiker siblings....ranging in age from about 19 to 26 from Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania.
Jack and Chris have been warned by other thru-hikers that they will lose another 10 pounds over the New Hampshire mountains. (They have each lost at least 20 pounds since they began the hike back in May.)
I will not post the same night's shelter out of safety precautions, at least until our hikers are well out of range.
If all goes as planned, they will probably be in Vermont in about a day. At the Vermont/Massachusetts border they will officially be 592.2 miles from Mt. Katahdin, and 1,584 miles from Springer Mountain, GA. I continue to be amazed at the capacity of hikers to walk the AT.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
THE GRAND OLDE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS!
A few nights ago there were no signs for AT shelters, so our hikers passed Stewart Hollow and Stoney Brook. It was raining and dark and they had no idea where they were going to sleep. They wound up staying at Silver Hill Campsite which was nicer than they expected. Open camping is not allowed in Connecticut, so it was quite fortunate that the Campsite had a cooking pavilion with a tin roof and a little loft for sleeping. The two brothers were glad to find a roof over their heads, especially given the heavy downpour. There was one other older man camping there from Penobscot near Bar Harbor, Maine. His son went to Harvard Law and is now on the legal team for the LA Dodgers. He was quite familiar with McGill.
The next day Jack and Chris wound up at the Limestone Spring lean-to. There was no one else there. They were able to hike 19.1 miles that day. The following day, their last day in Connecticut until after the hike, they were able to hike about 26 miles. They hiked 3 big mountains: Bear, Race, and Everett. They crossed into Massachusetts. They met a guy from Amsterdam who had started cicyling in Punta Arena, Chile and intended to continue north along the coast. However when he got to Peru, he had to stop cycyling due to a battle/skirmish because the Peruvian government had sold rights for farming land to an oil company and there was a skirmish over the road. As a result, he decided to head to NYC and hike the ATC to Maine.
In addition, our hikers walked by the site of the battle Shays' Rebellion. Simply put, as I am not a historian, it was a battle between private U.S. citizens in the western portion of Massachusetts and the government because many poor people were being unduly burdened by debt repayment.
As they turned into town it was touch-and-go finding a place to stay. At last, they were graciously given shelter on someone's porch and bona-fide resupply in a nearby town, Greater Barrington, Massachusetts. In thanksgiving again for safe haven and rest through Divine Providence. It's back on the trail north!
The next day Jack and Chris wound up at the Limestone Spring lean-to. There was no one else there. They were able to hike 19.1 miles that day. The following day, their last day in Connecticut until after the hike, they were able to hike about 26 miles. They hiked 3 big mountains: Bear, Race, and Everett. They crossed into Massachusetts. They met a guy from Amsterdam who had started cicyling in Punta Arena, Chile and intended to continue north along the coast. However when he got to Peru, he had to stop cycyling due to a battle/skirmish because the Peruvian government had sold rights for farming land to an oil company and there was a skirmish over the road. As a result, he decided to head to NYC and hike the ATC to Maine.
In addition, our hikers walked by the site of the battle Shays' Rebellion. Simply put, as I am not a historian, it was a battle between private U.S. citizens in the western portion of Massachusetts and the government because many poor people were being unduly burdened by debt repayment.
As they turned into town it was touch-and-go finding a place to stay. At last, they were graciously given shelter on someone's porch and bona-fide resupply in a nearby town, Greater Barrington, Massachusetts. In thanksgiving again for safe haven and rest through Divine Providence. It's back on the trail north!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Goodbye New York, Helllooo Connecticut!
Continuing on with this summerlong hiking saga, Jack gave this recent update since Monday's stay at Beechy Bottom Brook:
Tuesday proved to be "super rainy" and they experienced crossing the Hudson River footbridge while it was raining hard. They hiked the whole day in the rain. They stopped at a convenience store to get food at Bear Mountain where the AT crosses the Hudson. They passed by Fort Montgomery as well. They pitched their tarps amid plenty of rain in Clarence Fahnestock State Park, New York.
During the following day (Wednesday) they went to Mountaintop Deli and split a large pizza . They met Bookworm who has thru-hiked before, but was thru-hiking this summer while listening to a book every day on his I-pod. Later that evening, they met trail maintainer Sasquatch who came up to their shelter, Telephone Pioneer, to give them some trail magic. Sasquatch informed them that the Mt. Katahdin sign at the top of Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus of the trail, is being moved to Boiling Springs, PA and being replaced with a brand-new replica of the old Mt. Katahdin sign. Apparently the time had come to retire the sign which had been carved up and written upon by hikers finishing up their long journey. The sign will be replaced in the next few days. Hopefully, Jack and Chris will see this new sign when they reach their final destination at the end of August.
Earlier today they finished New York and crossed the border into Connecticut. Jack almost ran into a rattlesnake, who got his dander up because of Jack. During the day Jack and Chris went down to the road and tried to get a ride to the grocery store. Providentially, a couple of very gracious people from Milford, Connecticut gave them a lift to the grocery store and incredibly waited for them to do their necessary food resupply. Also incredibly, the couple returned them back to the trail.
I asked Jack about their environs. He reported that they are starting to get a taste of the NE, with its pine forests and mountainous landscapes. The weather has been cooler during the day. They have repeatedly heard how fortunate they are to have had such a cool summer to hike. The temperature today was a brisk 65 degrees, overcast and windy. They will pass by the Hoosatonic River shortly, near St. John's Ledge. 4-6" of rain is predicted for Thursday night, so they will be looking at another wet respite. Oh, by the way, they have passed the 2/3 of the total mileage mark. They are currently three days ahead of schedule. This will allow more time to scale the vertical peaks of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Likely mileage days will be shorter there as a result.
That's all for now. Jack and Chris will correct/update in a few days.
Tuesday proved to be "super rainy" and they experienced crossing the Hudson River footbridge while it was raining hard. They hiked the whole day in the rain. They stopped at a convenience store to get food at Bear Mountain where the AT crosses the Hudson. They passed by Fort Montgomery as well. They pitched their tarps amid plenty of rain in Clarence Fahnestock State Park, New York.
During the following day (Wednesday) they went to Mountaintop Deli and split a large pizza . They met Bookworm who has thru-hiked before, but was thru-hiking this summer while listening to a book every day on his I-pod. Later that evening, they met trail maintainer Sasquatch who came up to their shelter, Telephone Pioneer, to give them some trail magic. Sasquatch informed them that the Mt. Katahdin sign at the top of Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus of the trail, is being moved to Boiling Springs, PA and being replaced with a brand-new replica of the old Mt. Katahdin sign. Apparently the time had come to retire the sign which had been carved up and written upon by hikers finishing up their long journey. The sign will be replaced in the next few days. Hopefully, Jack and Chris will see this new sign when they reach their final destination at the end of August.
Earlier today they finished New York and crossed the border into Connecticut. Jack almost ran into a rattlesnake, who got his dander up because of Jack. During the day Jack and Chris went down to the road and tried to get a ride to the grocery store. Providentially, a couple of very gracious people from Milford, Connecticut gave them a lift to the grocery store and incredibly waited for them to do their necessary food resupply. Also incredibly, the couple returned them back to the trail.
I asked Jack about their environs. He reported that they are starting to get a taste of the NE, with its pine forests and mountainous landscapes. The weather has been cooler during the day. They have repeatedly heard how fortunate they are to have had such a cool summer to hike. The temperature today was a brisk 65 degrees, overcast and windy. They will pass by the Hoosatonic River shortly, near St. John's Ledge. 4-6" of rain is predicted for Thursday night, so they will be looking at another wet respite. Oh, by the way, they have passed the 2/3 of the total mileage mark. They are currently three days ahead of schedule. This will allow more time to scale the vertical peaks of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Likely mileage days will be shorter there as a result.
That's all for now. Jack and Chris will correct/update in a few days.
Monday, July 20, 2009
New York 2 Connecticut
Another call today from a good reception area. They report they have seen 10 bears in about the last 24 hours. Last night the shelter was heavy with mosquitos. One of the other thru-hikers had 100% DEET repellent on and still could not thwart the mosquitos.They were to cross the New York State Thruway today. Unfortunately, they will have to skip visiting Graymoor. Have read at least one book about this place, and it has a connection to our local Westminster. Tonight they will be camping outdoors, somewhere around the trail to West Mountain Shelter. Will probably have walked about 22.7 miles today.
They have noticed there is a lot more trash on the AT here, probably due to the close proximity to civilization, several road intersections as well with the AT. The water supply looks very iffy as well....very acidy.
They have noticed there is a lot more trash on the AT here, probably due to the close proximity to civilization, several road intersections as well with the AT. The water supply looks very iffy as well....very acidy.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
New York! New York!
Got the word from our hikers today! They are out of New Jersey 'til after the hike. Jack said they could see New York City in the distance from one of their summits today. It was a bright, clear day here in Maryland, as well as there in New York. They walked 28.6 miles today and stopped at Wildcat Shelter, New York. Jack said they saw several bears today but were able to avoid them.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
JULY 18, 2009
Jack phoned to update the last couple of days: Last night they hiked about 24.8 miles into Brink Road Shelter. Today the former mayor of Unionville, NY invited a large group of thru-hikers, including Jack and Chris for dinner, wash-up and place to bunk down, incredibly auspicious hospitality. Their hike today lasted 26.7 miles. This portion of the hike through western New Jersey straddles the New York state border. They will be entirely in New Jersey for about another day.
They have 109.1 miles to get to the NY-Connecticut border. From there it is 734 miles to Mt. Katahdin, Maine, only about 842 miles left to savor, and 41 days left to walk, an average of 20.5 miles per day. Still moose to see, rivers to ford, White Mountains to climb, and Mount Katahdin to enjoy, among the many other wonders of the trail. Am happy they are getting a respite from the daily rations of trail mix, purified mountain water, and ramen.
They have 109.1 miles to get to the NY-Connecticut border. From there it is 734 miles to Mt. Katahdin, Maine, only about 842 miles left to savor, and 41 days left to walk, an average of 20.5 miles per day. Still moose to see, rivers to ford, White Mountains to climb, and Mount Katahdin to enjoy, among the many other wonders of the trail. Am happy they are getting a respite from the daily rations of trail mix, purified mountain water, and ramen.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Other interesting AT hiker record links
Other interesting AT hiker record links:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=294&sid=4423151
http://books.google.com/books?id=LgCIaZ2zn9QC&pg=PA82&lpg=PA82&dq=at+thru-hiker+records&source=bl&ots=H9zd-HCZ5L&sig=KoAKMtxsqcufch4uyA-G7R4otvU&hl=en&ei=FcZgSrfdM8_OlAeNt5XMCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=294&sid=4423151
http://books.google.com/books?id=LgCIaZ2zn9QC&pg=PA82&lpg=PA82&dq=at+thru-hiker+records&source=bl&ots=H9zd-HCZ5L&sig=KoAKMtxsqcufch4uyA-G7R4otvU&hl=en&ei=FcZgSrfdM8_OlAeNt5XMCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7
NEW JERSEY!
That's right! Jack and Chris crossed the Delaware River (not with George Washington!) and are now in rural western New Jersey. They won't see Pennsylvania again until after the hike. Just, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine left... as previously reported. You can take a look at one of their New Jersey stops and views, Catfish Firetower at the following link:
http://www.thebackpacker.com/pictures/pic/78qlsd0.php
What's happened since Bake Oven Knob Shelter, PA? More rocks and more trail and a pleasant surprise at the end of the day, not reported in their trail guide: The Church of the Mountain Hostel hosted a free hiker feed and our hikers enjoyed a good dinner.
Jack and Chris noted they saw the Palmerton Superfund site noted for toxic waste clean-up, not a pretty site in contrast to the other 1282.9 miles of the hike they have taken.
Fungi reported that the New Jersey shelters are super-buggy. Heavy population of bears noted in the AT books. Heres hoping they find a safe respite from the weather and wildlife.
http://www.thebackpacker.com/pictures/pic/78qlsd0.php
What's happened since Bake Oven Knob Shelter, PA? More rocks and more trail and a pleasant surprise at the end of the day, not reported in their trail guide: The Church of the Mountain Hostel hosted a free hiker feed and our hikers enjoyed a good dinner.
Jack and Chris noted they saw the Palmerton Superfund site noted for toxic waste clean-up, not a pretty site in contrast to the other 1282.9 miles of the hike they have taken.
Fungi reported that the New Jersey shelters are super-buggy. Heavy population of bears noted in the AT books. Heres hoping they find a safe respite from the weather and wildlife.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Some ATC thru-hiker stats
The following is the link to read some interesting historical ATC thru-hiker stats:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805581/k.6803/Noteworthy_2000Milers.htm
Jack and Chris are keeping a pretty quick pace, averaging about 25 miles per day. Their journey is not over yet, so it would be presumptuous to report on their final count until after they reach Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus of the AT. However, the number of hikers who have completed the trail in 100 days or less is relatively small, perhaps a hundred or so, compared to over 10,000 who report having completed the trail in the last 60 years.
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805581/k.6803/Noteworthy_2000Milers.htm
Jack and Chris are keeping a pretty quick pace, averaging about 25 miles per day. Their journey is not over yet, so it would be presumptuous to report on their final count until after they reach Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus of the AT. However, the number of hikers who have completed the trail in 100 days or less is relatively small, perhaps a hundred or so, compared to over 10,000 who report having completed the trail in the last 60 years.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Out of Rausch Gap
After Rausch Gap, near the I-81 underpass, Jack and Chris discovered a cooler of "trail magic" filled with juice boxes and Capri-Sun with a note for thru-hikers to take one box per person.
Later, they saw a rattlesnake on the way to Port Clinton. In Port Clinton they went to Ye Olde Backpacker store, but they did not have the equipment that our hikers wanted. Thus, they hitchhiked to the Cabelas Outdoor Store in Hamburg, PA. There Chris found his backpacking socks. With help from the same trail angel who brought them into town, Camel and Fungi were able to catch up with Jack and Chris and they all chowed down at Cabelas. Jack, Camel and Fungi took advantage of the homestyle buffet at Cabelas, while Chris bought a smoked buffalo sandwich. Jack and Chris bought 1 1/2 days of freeze-dried, expensive trail food at Cabelas, and they made their way back to Port Clinton. Shortly after, they saw an adult-sized black bear 50 yards off the trail. Jack and Chris made noises and the bear ran away. They finished Day 53 at the Hertlein Campsite with no other thru-hikers in sight.
On Day 54, they entered into a seemingly long green tunnel, with the trail about 2 feet wide surrounded by thickets of trees. PA has been very rocky, as expected. Along the way to Windsor Furnace Shelter, they passed thru-hiker Lucky Star. There was only one thru-hiker at the Furnace campsite, Glo-Worm.
Later, they saw a rattlesnake on the way to Port Clinton. In Port Clinton they went to Ye Olde Backpacker store, but they did not have the equipment that our hikers wanted. Thus, they hitchhiked to the Cabelas Outdoor Store in Hamburg, PA. There Chris found his backpacking socks. With help from the same trail angel who brought them into town, Camel and Fungi were able to catch up with Jack and Chris and they all chowed down at Cabelas. Jack, Camel and Fungi took advantage of the homestyle buffet at Cabelas, while Chris bought a smoked buffalo sandwich. Jack and Chris bought 1 1/2 days of freeze-dried, expensive trail food at Cabelas, and they made their way back to Port Clinton. Shortly after, they saw an adult-sized black bear 50 yards off the trail. Jack and Chris made noises and the bear ran away. They finished Day 53 at the Hertlein Campsite with no other thru-hikers in sight.
On Day 54, they entered into a seemingly long green tunnel, with the trail about 2 feet wide surrounded by thickets of trees. PA has been very rocky, as expected. Along the way to Windsor Furnace Shelter, they passed thru-hiker Lucky Star. There was only one thru-hiker at the Furnace campsite, Glo-Worm.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Duncannon - Rausch Gap - Beyond --Days 52/53
Chris left word today of trail happenings since Duncannon.
They left Duncannon yesterday and were having a good day until it started to rain a few miles into the day around Clarks Ferry Bridge, Susquehanna River. It rained off and on and stopped for 2-3 hours, so they wanted to mile all the way to the shelter. (Editor's note: The shelters are not evenly spaced, nor are they necessarily close to each other. Without a shelter, hikers are forced to set up camp, tents or tarp in the open air, with little protection from the elements or wildlife.)
At about 7 pm, it began rainly intensely hard. They were up on the mountain with a lightning storm all around them. (Some thru-hikers have been killed in similar lightning circumstances.) They were scared at that point. They got to Rausch Gap Shelter, at 8:30 pm, a total distance of 29 miles from Duncannon, but were surprised to find the shelter full of thru-hikers. The Rausch Gap Shelter only holds 6, while they thought it was going to hold 12.
They couldn't make dinner in the rain, so they had eat dinner for breakfast the following morning. They set up their tarps in the pouring rain and lightning and it was kind of miserable.
They tried to set up their tarps and sleep as best they could in the driving rain.
They intend to hike 25 miles today, somewhere 5 miles past the 501 shelter.
That means they are about 95 miles from the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border.
In continued gratitude to Divine Providence for protection during seemingly harrowing circumstances.
They left Duncannon yesterday and were having a good day until it started to rain a few miles into the day around Clarks Ferry Bridge, Susquehanna River. It rained off and on and stopped for 2-3 hours, so they wanted to mile all the way to the shelter. (Editor's note: The shelters are not evenly spaced, nor are they necessarily close to each other. Without a shelter, hikers are forced to set up camp, tents or tarp in the open air, with little protection from the elements or wildlife.)
At about 7 pm, it began rainly intensely hard. They were up on the mountain with a lightning storm all around them. (Some thru-hikers have been killed in similar lightning circumstances.) They were scared at that point. They got to Rausch Gap Shelter, at 8:30 pm, a total distance of 29 miles from Duncannon, but were surprised to find the shelter full of thru-hikers. The Rausch Gap Shelter only holds 6, while they thought it was going to hold 12.
They couldn't make dinner in the rain, so they had eat dinner for breakfast the following morning. They set up their tarps in the pouring rain and lightning and it was kind of miserable.
They tried to set up their tarps and sleep as best they could in the driving rain.
They intend to hike 25 miles today, somewhere 5 miles past the 501 shelter.
That means they are about 95 miles from the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border.
In continued gratitude to Divine Providence for protection during seemingly harrowing circumstances.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Walking with Freedom
Jack and Chris met Lion King thru-hiker who is a famous trail filmmaker.
Here is one of his you-tube videos of the AT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f73WavvZ3c
Here is one of his you-tube videos of the AT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f73WavvZ3c
Duncannon!
Well readers....the internet was not available this morning for updates by Jack and Chris....so I have been asked to fill you in with details since Boiling Springs.
Our hikers got the opportunity to swim at Caledonia State Park swimming pool, a place my parents and I used to visit occasionally during summers long ago. While Jack, Chris, and Camel were at the park, Fungi went to the doctor for treatment of blood poisoning due to infected blisters. He got the medicine he needed and will be alright.
Jack reported meeting section hiker Manimal whose answer for everything was shouting, "hell, yeh!" They also met Lion King a famous trail filmmaker whose youtube video, "Walking with Freedom" I will hopefully insert into this blog.
----Jack mentioned he has heard talk of the trail presence of a thru-hiker (I won't mention his trail name.) who carries Magic the Gathering cards, thinks he is from Mars, and walks the trail with his hands posed like Doctor Spock. He thinks that when he gets to Mt. Katahdin that the mountaintop will have a portal that will open and take him back to Mars. He wears white dreadlocks and a black coat. This is actually a little frightening for a mother to hear. While this might be some sort of a trail joke, it also may appear that this man may be off medication and in need of help. If he does need help, I hope he gets it before he becomes a danger to himself or anyone else.-----
Our guys camped out in the backyard of the Garden House Bed & Breakfast and saw within the residence a huge map of the AT which many people had already signed...in fact someone had already signed it from our small community. So many, in fact, that Jack and Chris could not find room on the map to sign. While in Boiling Springs, they shared antipasto and two large meat pizzas with Camel and Fungi at Amelie's Pizza.
They have wound up hiking and sharing quarters with Camel and Fungi for the past two days. Last night they all stayed at the Doyle Hotel for $10 per person. Jack explained that due to their ages they were not able to play pool, etc. However, the dinner at the Doyle Hotel was good. Jack and Chris interestingly met two other thru-hikers that they had met earlier in their AT journey. The other two hikers were surprised to see Jack and Chris because they had hitchhiked for a portion of the time that Jack and Chris continued to peramble the trail. ...these other hikers did a "short-cut," you might say! Along with the two unnamed hitcher/hikers, Jack and Chris met thru-hiker Gorgonzola, a favorite smelly cheese of many.
Unfortunately this morning Camel and Fungi had to stay behind in Duncannon to wait for a package. Jack and Chris decided to plow forward with another day of trailing, still loving and enjoying every moment of this hike. As Jack shared by cell phone his surroundings this morning, he pointed out that along the trail they have noted and are enjoying ripening blueberries and blackberries. They also saw mulberries, but they were unsure as to whether they were poisonous or not, so they did not eat them. Jack recalled eating and picking berries with their deceased grandma in her backyard. It is stuff like this, enjoyed on the mountain, which helps brings the past right into the present.
Plan is to hike 29 miles today. Will post in a couple of days when confirmed.
Our hikers got the opportunity to swim at Caledonia State Park swimming pool, a place my parents and I used to visit occasionally during summers long ago. While Jack, Chris, and Camel were at the park, Fungi went to the doctor for treatment of blood poisoning due to infected blisters. He got the medicine he needed and will be alright.
Jack reported meeting section hiker Manimal whose answer for everything was shouting, "hell, yeh!" They also met Lion King a famous trail filmmaker whose youtube video, "Walking with Freedom" I will hopefully insert into this blog.
----Jack mentioned he has heard talk of the trail presence of a thru-hiker (I won't mention his trail name.) who carries Magic the Gathering cards, thinks he is from Mars, and walks the trail with his hands posed like Doctor Spock. He thinks that when he gets to Mt. Katahdin that the mountaintop will have a portal that will open and take him back to Mars. He wears white dreadlocks and a black coat. This is actually a little frightening for a mother to hear. While this might be some sort of a trail joke, it also may appear that this man may be off medication and in need of help. If he does need help, I hope he gets it before he becomes a danger to himself or anyone else.-----
Our guys camped out in the backyard of the Garden House Bed & Breakfast and saw within the residence a huge map of the AT which many people had already signed...in fact someone had already signed it from our small community. So many, in fact, that Jack and Chris could not find room on the map to sign. While in Boiling Springs, they shared antipasto and two large meat pizzas with Camel and Fungi at Amelie's Pizza.
They have wound up hiking and sharing quarters with Camel and Fungi for the past two days. Last night they all stayed at the Doyle Hotel for $10 per person. Jack explained that due to their ages they were not able to play pool, etc. However, the dinner at the Doyle Hotel was good. Jack and Chris interestingly met two other thru-hikers that they had met earlier in their AT journey. The other two hikers were surprised to see Jack and Chris because they had hitchhiked for a portion of the time that Jack and Chris continued to peramble the trail. ...these other hikers did a "short-cut," you might say! Along with the two unnamed hitcher/hikers, Jack and Chris met thru-hiker Gorgonzola, a favorite smelly cheese of many.
Unfortunately this morning Camel and Fungi had to stay behind in Duncannon to wait for a package. Jack and Chris decided to plow forward with another day of trailing, still loving and enjoying every moment of this hike. As Jack shared by cell phone his surroundings this morning, he pointed out that along the trail they have noted and are enjoying ripening blueberries and blackberries. They also saw mulberries, but they were unsure as to whether they were poisonous or not, so they did not eat them. Jack recalled eating and picking berries with their deceased grandma in her backyard. It is stuff like this, enjoyed on the mountain, which helps brings the past right into the present.
Plan is to hike 29 miles today. Will post in a couple of days when confirmed.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
DAILY MILEAGE SUMMARY
DAILY MILEAGE SUMMARY
DAY 1: GOOCH MOUNTAIN, GA 15.1 15.1
DAY 2: NEELS GAP 15.6 30.7
DAY 3: TRAY MTN. 25.8 56.5
DAY 4: MUSKRAT CREEK 22.7 79.2
DAY 5: BIG SPRING 19.3 98.5
DAY 6: WAYAH, NC 20.1 118.6
DAY 7: NANTAHALA RIVER 16.3 134.9
DAY 8: BROWN FORK GAP 16.0 150.9
DAY 9: MOLLIES RIDGE 24.0 174.9
DAY 10: DOUBLE SPRING GAP 18.9 193.8
DAY 11: PECKS CORNER 21.2 215.0
DAY 12: PIGEON RIVER, TN 22.4 237.4
DAY 13: WALNUT MTN. 21.2 258.6
DAY 14: HOT SPRINGS, NC 13.1 271.7
DAY 15: LITTLE LAUREL 19.6 291.3
DAY 16: HOGBACK RIDGE 21.5 312.8
DAY 17: NO BUSINESS KNOB 20.7 333.5
DAY 18: NOLICHUCKY RIVER, TN 6.3 339.8
DAY 19: CLYDE SMITH 25.2 365.0
DAY 20: OVERMOUNTAIN 12.9 377.9
DAY 21: MOUNTAINEER 17.4 395.3
DAY 22: WATAUGA LAKE 26.3 421.6
DAY 23: MCQUEENS GAP 28.4 450.0
DAY 24: SAUNDERS, VA 20.5 470.5
DAY 25: WISE 23.7 494.2
DAY 26: PARTNERSHIP 30.6 524.8
DAY 27: KNOT MAUL BRANCH 25.5 550.3 (over 25% of AT)
DAY 28: HELVEYS MILL 33.1 583.4
DAY 29: STREAM 22.5 605.9
DAY 30: PEARISBURG HOLY FAMILY HOSTEL 18.1 624.0
DAY 31: PINE SWAMP 19.3 643.3
DAY 32: SARVER HOLLOW 24.9 668.2
DAY 33: DRAGONS TOOTH 20.3 688.5
DAY 34: DALEVILLE 28.2 716.7
DAY 35: COVE MOUNTAIN 24.9 741.6
DAY 36: PETITES GAP 21.9 763.5
DAY 37: BUENA VISTA 31.7 795.2
DAY 38: TYE RIVER 25.7 820.2
DAY 39: DRIPPING ROCK 15.3 835.5
DAY 40: CALF MOUNTAIN 21.3 856.8
DAY 41: PINEFIELD HUT 26.2 883.0
DAY 42: ROCK SPRING CABIN 32.1 915.1
DAY 43: GRAVEL SPRINGS 28.6 943.7
DAY 44: JIM & MOLLY DENTON 18.4 962.1
DAY 45: SPRING 23.2 985.3
DAY 46: HARPERS FERRY, WVA 24.9 1010.2
DAY 47: PINE KNOB, MD 23.6 1033.8
DAY 48: TUMBLING RUN, PA 26.2 1060.1
DAY 49: TOM RUN 25.8 1085.9
DAY 50: BOILING SPRINGS 23.1 1109.0
DAY 51: DUNCANNON, PA 25.7 1134.7
DAY 52: RAUSCH GAP, PA 28.8 1163.5
DAY 53: HERTLEIN CAMPSITE 23.0 1186.5
DAY 54: WINDSOR FURNACE 24.2 1210.7
DAY 55: BAKE OVEN KNOB 26.5 1237.2
DAY 56: LEROY A. SMITH 23.5 1262.7
DAY 57: CHURCH OF THE MNTN HOSTEL 20.2 1282.9
DAY 58: BRINK ROAD 24.8 1307.7
DAY 59: UNIONVILLE, NY 26.7 1334.4
DAY 60: WILDCAT 28.6 1365.0 (about 811.2 left to go!)
DAY 61: BEECHY BOTTOM BROOK 21.9 1386.9
DAY 62: CLARENCE FAHNESTOCK STATE PARK 24.8 1411.7
DAY 63: TELEPHONE PIONEER SHELTER 23.6 1434.3
DAY 64: SILVER HILL CAMPSITE 31.6 1465.9
DAY 65: LIMESTONE SPRING LEAN-TO 19.1 1485.0
DAY 66: US 7 GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS. 25.5 1510.5
DAY 67: UPPER GOOSE POND CABIN, 26.7 1537.2
DAY 68: DALTON, MASS 21.4 1558.6
DAY 69: WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS (REDWOOD HOTEL) 23.3 1581.9
DAY 70: MELVILLE NAUHEIM SHELTER, VT 20.0 1601.9
DAY 71: STRATTON POND SHELTER 27.9 1629.8
DAY 72: LOST POND SHELTER 25.4 1655.2 (over 75% of AT)
DAY 73: VT. 103, NORTH CLARENDON 17.6 1672.8 RUTLAND HOSTEL
DAY 74: TUCKER JOHNSON SHELTER, NEAR US 4. 18.4 1691.2
DAY 75: THISTLE HILL SHELTER, 30.5 1721.7
DAY 76: VELVET ROCKS, NEW HAMPSHIRE 16.1 1737.8
DAY 77: FIREWARDEN'S RANGER CABIN 21.9 1759.7
DAY 78: JEFFERS BROOK SHELTER 21.1 1780.8
DAY 79: LONESOME LAKE HUT 21.8 1802.6
DAY 80: GALESHEAD HUT 15.9 1818.5
DAY 81: MISPAH SPRING HUT 21.1 1839.6
DAY 82: ROAD CROSSING TO GORHAM 19.6 1859.2
DAY 83: GORHAM 21.1 1880.3 (ABOUT 295.9 MILES TO GO!/ 17.4 MILES PER DAY)
DAY 84: CARLO COL SHELTER, MAINE 17 1897.3 (MILES TO GO: 280.9)
DAY 85: BALDPATE LEAN-TO 16.4 1913.7
DAY 86: SOUTH ARM ROAD, BLACK BROOK 18.1 1931.8 (246.4 TO GO)
DAY 87: LITTLE SWIFT RIVER POND CAMPSITE, ME 21.6 (224.8 TO GO... 17.29 DLY AVG)
DAY 88: GRAVEL ROAD, STREAM, MAINE 14.5 (210.3 TO GO)
DAY 89: STRATTON MOTEL 22.5 (187.8 TO GO)
DAY 90: WEST CARRY POND LEAN-TO, MAINE 22.6 (165.2 TO GO)
DAY 91: BALD MOUNTAIN BROOK LEAN-TO 28.7 (136.5 TO GO)
DAY 92: LEEMAN BROOK LEAN-TO 25.3 (111.5 TO GO)
DAY 93: CHAIRBACK GAP LEAN-TO 23.0 (88.5 TO GO)
DAY 94: EAST BRANCH LEAN-TO 20.7 (67.8 TO GO)
DAY 95: WADLEIGH STREAM LEAN-TO 29.6 (38.2 TO GO)
DAY 96: HURD BROOK LEAN-TO 19.6 (18.6 TO GO)
DAY 97: BIRCHES CAMPSITE 13.4 (5.2 TO GO)
DAY 98: MT. KATAHDIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5.2 (0 TO GO!!!!!!!!!!)
THEY MADE IT ALL THE WAY FROM SPRINGER MOUNTAIN GA TO MT. KATAHDIN, ME
2176.2 MILES (+5.2 TO GET OFF THE MOUNTAIN!!!)
CONGRATULAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATIONNNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
DAY 1: GOOCH MOUNTAIN, GA 15.1 15.1
DAY 2: NEELS GAP 15.6 30.7
DAY 3: TRAY MTN. 25.8 56.5
DAY 4: MUSKRAT CREEK 22.7 79.2
DAY 5: BIG SPRING 19.3 98.5
DAY 6: WAYAH, NC 20.1 118.6
DAY 7: NANTAHALA RIVER 16.3 134.9
DAY 8: BROWN FORK GAP 16.0 150.9
DAY 9: MOLLIES RIDGE 24.0 174.9
DAY 10: DOUBLE SPRING GAP 18.9 193.8
DAY 11: PECKS CORNER 21.2 215.0
DAY 12: PIGEON RIVER, TN 22.4 237.4
DAY 13: WALNUT MTN. 21.2 258.6
DAY 14: HOT SPRINGS, NC 13.1 271.7
DAY 15: LITTLE LAUREL 19.6 291.3
DAY 16: HOGBACK RIDGE 21.5 312.8
DAY 17: NO BUSINESS KNOB 20.7 333.5
DAY 18: NOLICHUCKY RIVER, TN 6.3 339.8
DAY 19: CLYDE SMITH 25.2 365.0
DAY 20: OVERMOUNTAIN 12.9 377.9
DAY 21: MOUNTAINEER 17.4 395.3
DAY 22: WATAUGA LAKE 26.3 421.6
DAY 23: MCQUEENS GAP 28.4 450.0
DAY 24: SAUNDERS, VA 20.5 470.5
DAY 25: WISE 23.7 494.2
DAY 26: PARTNERSHIP 30.6 524.8
DAY 27: KNOT MAUL BRANCH 25.5 550.3 (over 25% of AT)
DAY 28: HELVEYS MILL 33.1 583.4
DAY 29: STREAM 22.5 605.9
DAY 30: PEARISBURG HOLY FAMILY HOSTEL 18.1 624.0
DAY 31: PINE SWAMP 19.3 643.3
DAY 32: SARVER HOLLOW 24.9 668.2
DAY 33: DRAGONS TOOTH 20.3 688.5
DAY 34: DALEVILLE 28.2 716.7
DAY 35: COVE MOUNTAIN 24.9 741.6
DAY 36: PETITES GAP 21.9 763.5
DAY 37: BUENA VISTA 31.7 795.2
DAY 38: TYE RIVER 25.7 820.2
DAY 39: DRIPPING ROCK 15.3 835.5
DAY 40: CALF MOUNTAIN 21.3 856.8
DAY 41: PINEFIELD HUT 26.2 883.0
DAY 42: ROCK SPRING CABIN 32.1 915.1
DAY 43: GRAVEL SPRINGS 28.6 943.7
DAY 44: JIM & MOLLY DENTON 18.4 962.1
DAY 45: SPRING 23.2 985.3
DAY 46: HARPERS FERRY, WVA 24.9 1010.2
DAY 47: PINE KNOB, MD 23.6 1033.8
DAY 48: TUMBLING RUN, PA 26.2 1060.1
DAY 49: TOM RUN 25.8 1085.9
DAY 50: BOILING SPRINGS 23.1 1109.0
DAY 51: DUNCANNON, PA 25.7 1134.7
DAY 52: RAUSCH GAP, PA 28.8 1163.5
DAY 53: HERTLEIN CAMPSITE 23.0 1186.5
DAY 54: WINDSOR FURNACE 24.2 1210.7
DAY 55: BAKE OVEN KNOB 26.5 1237.2
DAY 56: LEROY A. SMITH 23.5 1262.7
DAY 57: CHURCH OF THE MNTN HOSTEL 20.2 1282.9
DAY 58: BRINK ROAD 24.8 1307.7
DAY 59: UNIONVILLE, NY 26.7 1334.4
DAY 60: WILDCAT 28.6 1365.0 (about 811.2 left to go!)
DAY 61: BEECHY BOTTOM BROOK 21.9 1386.9
DAY 62: CLARENCE FAHNESTOCK STATE PARK 24.8 1411.7
DAY 63: TELEPHONE PIONEER SHELTER 23.6 1434.3
DAY 64: SILVER HILL CAMPSITE 31.6 1465.9
DAY 65: LIMESTONE SPRING LEAN-TO 19.1 1485.0
DAY 66: US 7 GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS. 25.5 1510.5
DAY 67: UPPER GOOSE POND CABIN, 26.7 1537.2
DAY 68: DALTON, MASS 21.4 1558.6
DAY 69: WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS (REDWOOD HOTEL) 23.3 1581.9
DAY 70: MELVILLE NAUHEIM SHELTER, VT 20.0 1601.9
DAY 71: STRATTON POND SHELTER 27.9 1629.8
DAY 72: LOST POND SHELTER 25.4 1655.2 (over 75% of AT)
DAY 73: VT. 103, NORTH CLARENDON 17.6 1672.8 RUTLAND HOSTEL
DAY 74: TUCKER JOHNSON SHELTER, NEAR US 4. 18.4 1691.2
DAY 75: THISTLE HILL SHELTER, 30.5 1721.7
DAY 76: VELVET ROCKS, NEW HAMPSHIRE 16.1 1737.8
DAY 77: FIREWARDEN'S RANGER CABIN 21.9 1759.7
DAY 78: JEFFERS BROOK SHELTER 21.1 1780.8
DAY 79: LONESOME LAKE HUT 21.8 1802.6
DAY 80: GALESHEAD HUT 15.9 1818.5
DAY 81: MISPAH SPRING HUT 21.1 1839.6
DAY 82: ROAD CROSSING TO GORHAM 19.6 1859.2
DAY 83: GORHAM 21.1 1880.3 (ABOUT 295.9 MILES TO GO!/ 17.4 MILES PER DAY)
DAY 84: CARLO COL SHELTER, MAINE 17 1897.3 (MILES TO GO: 280.9)
DAY 85: BALDPATE LEAN-TO 16.4 1913.7
DAY 86: SOUTH ARM ROAD, BLACK BROOK 18.1 1931.8 (246.4 TO GO)
DAY 87: LITTLE SWIFT RIVER POND CAMPSITE, ME 21.6 (224.8 TO GO... 17.29 DLY AVG)
DAY 88: GRAVEL ROAD, STREAM, MAINE 14.5 (210.3 TO GO)
DAY 89: STRATTON MOTEL 22.5 (187.8 TO GO)
DAY 90: WEST CARRY POND LEAN-TO, MAINE 22.6 (165.2 TO GO)
DAY 91: BALD MOUNTAIN BROOK LEAN-TO 28.7 (136.5 TO GO)
DAY 92: LEEMAN BROOK LEAN-TO 25.3 (111.5 TO GO)
DAY 93: CHAIRBACK GAP LEAN-TO 23.0 (88.5 TO GO)
DAY 94: EAST BRANCH LEAN-TO 20.7 (67.8 TO GO)
DAY 95: WADLEIGH STREAM LEAN-TO 29.6 (38.2 TO GO)
DAY 96: HURD BROOK LEAN-TO 19.6 (18.6 TO GO)
DAY 97: BIRCHES CAMPSITE 13.4 (5.2 TO GO)
DAY 98: MT. KATAHDIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5.2 (0 TO GO!!!!!!!!!!)
THEY MADE IT ALL THE WAY FROM SPRINGER MOUNTAIN GA TO MT. KATAHDIN, ME
2176.2 MILES (+5.2 TO GET OFF THE MOUNTAIN!!!)
CONGRATULAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATIONNNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
1/2 GALLON CHALLENGE!
Well, our hikers made the half-way mark on the 50th day of their 100-day hike! Two miles in to Day 50 they hit mile 1,088.1!
Last night, after a 25.8 mile day, they saw their local friend Kevin who brought them some Taco Bell and granola bars!
Kevin brought it out to them at a road stop near Tom's Run shelter. Thru-hiker Creep shared shelter quarters.
They have hiked through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and are now in Pennsylvania for about another week.
After that (hopefully!) it's New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and finally Maine.
Tonight appears to be a hostel break night at Boiling Springs, after completing 23.1 miles. Total hike mileage to date: 1,109.
My legs are starting to hurt just imagining walking that distance!
'Til the next report....
This afternoon they took the well-know AT tradition of the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge... namely they both had to eat a 1/2 gallon of ice cream in an 1 1/2. Chris polished off a 1/2 gallon of Moosetrack, while Jack finished a 1/2 gallon of Banana Split.
Have met up again with fast-paced thru-hikers Camel and Fungi.
Tonight
Last night, after a 25.8 mile day, they saw their local friend Kevin who brought them some Taco Bell and granola bars!
Kevin brought it out to them at a road stop near Tom's Run shelter. Thru-hiker Creep shared shelter quarters.
They have hiked through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and are now in Pennsylvania for about another week.
After that (hopefully!) it's New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and finally Maine.
Tonight appears to be a hostel break night at Boiling Springs, after completing 23.1 miles. Total hike mileage to date: 1,109.
My legs are starting to hurt just imagining walking that distance!
'Til the next report....
This afternoon they took the well-know AT tradition of the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge... namely they both had to eat a 1/2 gallon of ice cream in an 1 1/2. Chris polished off a 1/2 gallon of Moosetrack, while Jack finished a 1/2 gallon of Banana Split.
Have met up again with fast-paced thru-hikers Camel and Fungi.
Tonight
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
July 7, 2009
Here is a recap of a voicemail I recently received:
Jack and Chris made it to Pine Knob Shelter last night. During the day they walked past Washington Monument State Park. They met hikers FreeChild and BamBam. Later, they met up with Andrew and Will at the I-70 bridge and walked back to Pine Knob Shelter. They all caught up a little bit. Andrew enjoyed meeting Aquafresh and Peter- thru hikers who shared good times with them. At 3 am Andrew was awakened by a sound and said, "What's that?"
Jack woke up scared and screamed at the top of his lungs and woke up the entire campsite, which turned out to be funny. Apparently the cause of the situation was a food bag that had fallen. (Overnight hikers have to hang up their bags on strings suspended from the air to keep them out of the reach of mice, bears, etc.)
Today they walked 26.2 miles and reached Tumbling Run Shelter. They met up with Baltimore buddy Kevin and enjoyed his company. They have crossed out of Maryland until after they finish the hike. They have 210 miles to cover in Pennsylvania, which should take about 9 days.
The next trail town will be Boiling Springs, PA according to Jack.
Jack finished his report with noting that the trail is now rocky, which is "kinda weird."
Over and out....
Jack and Chris made it to Pine Knob Shelter last night. During the day they walked past Washington Monument State Park. They met hikers FreeChild and BamBam. Later, they met up with Andrew and Will at the I-70 bridge and walked back to Pine Knob Shelter. They all caught up a little bit. Andrew enjoyed meeting Aquafresh and Peter- thru hikers who shared good times with them. At 3 am Andrew was awakened by a sound and said, "What's that?"
Jack woke up scared and screamed at the top of his lungs and woke up the entire campsite, which turned out to be funny. Apparently the cause of the situation was a food bag that had fallen. (Overnight hikers have to hang up their bags on strings suspended from the air to keep them out of the reach of mice, bears, etc.)
Today they walked 26.2 miles and reached Tumbling Run Shelter. They met up with Baltimore buddy Kevin and enjoyed his company. They have crossed out of Maryland until after they finish the hike. They have 210 miles to cover in Pennsylvania, which should take about 9 days.
The next trail town will be Boiling Springs, PA according to Jack.
Jack finished his report with noting that the trail is now rocky, which is "kinda weird."
Over and out....
Sunday, July 5, 2009
So, we have completed all 521 miles of Virginia finally! The cars crossing over the Shenandoah River Bridge, which many of you have crossed here in Harpers Ferry, must have thought we were crazy as we yelled at our first sight of our beautiful Maryland across the Potomac. Now we've got a room at the Charlestown Racing Complex with our mom and dad. Tomorrow its off to meet up with the homeboys near I-70. Today we broke the 1000 mile marker. The Proclaimers can eat their little hearts out. Halfway is soon at 1089.1. Shenandoah National Park was a zoo of tourists and food stops. It is absolutely amazing to see the difference in hiking this section in the summer than in winter; there are places we cannot even recognize. We spent the 3rd with Mike Byers, Chris' old friend from UDallas. There was ample destruction of the local McDonald's and an awesome potluck with the local cub scout troop. Sleeping through the fireworks displays was a bit depressing however.
In reflection, I am becoming incredibly grateful for the perspective which this trip has allowed me. I am outside any normal life routine. I have no standard group of friends out here. We meet new people every day with new and interesting views of life. I think it is easy to fall into a myopic worldview when everything becomes routine and familiar. The things you read in the news, the products you buy, the day to day events can fog us into thinking that what we have is all there is. Not knowing who you will spend the evening with, what the next town will hold, and what the next turn will bring make the uncertainty of our lives far more palpable. Every day I become more happy with this hike and Chris would say the same.
Friday, July 3, 2009
July 3rd, 2009
Our thru-hikers called to update us with the following information: They have finally begun to catch up with other thru-hikers. This was the first time since they began the hike that their shelter, Rockspring Hut was filled with 4 thru-hikers: Gnarley from Brooklyn, who currently lives in NH, he made them alfredo for dinner, Phoenix Rising, a woman in her mid-30s, 10 x 10 from Connecticut, and Blue Eyes from Va. At Skyland park, they ate lunch with Phoenix and it was, in Jack's words, "super-good!" On Thursday they hiked 28 miles and they finally caught up with thru-hikers Camel and Fungae....had not seen them in several weeks due to the mileage loss resulting from Jack and Chris' battle with water purification problems. Looks like Jack and Chris will be in the main pack of north-bound thru-hikers in the next few weeks.
Looking forward to seeing our hikers again while they are still in the vicinity. Happy trailing to Front Royal!
Looking forward to seeing our hikers again while they are still in the vicinity. Happy trailing to Front Royal!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Just an aside...
Looking at the AT 2008 Data Book, when Jack and Chris reach Front Royal, Virginia, home of many friends at Christendom College, they will have reached mile 957.6, only 1,218.6 miles from Mt. Katahdin, Maine! This section of the trail, from Waynesboro, VA to Duncannon, PA is relatively "old hat" to them, as they have hiked it several times in the past few years. They have been fortunate thus far, and we continue to hope for the best so they reach their long-awaited goal.
July 2, 2009
At Pinefield Hut, after a 26.2 mile day they met a section hiker who built wastewater treatment plants in Suriname and textile mills in Montreal. Later they met Willow, a woman in her late 50s who was on her second thru-hike in 12 years who shared hot dogs with them. She was wistful that so much time had passed since her last thru-hike. From Pinefield Hut, VA Jack and Chris hiked about 32 miles north (of course!) into Rock Spring Cabin yesterday. They stopped at Loft Mountain campground and purchased Philly Cheesesteak Hot Pockets at the campstore. They met the assistant to the head basketball coach at Florida State as well. Today they hiked another 28.6 miles and are now on schedule to reach Mt. Katahdin, Maine by the end of August. By next week they will hit day 50, the half-way mark both time and distance-wise.
They hope to meet up with one of Chris' old friends from UDallas in Front Royal any day now.
Next major stop: food and family in Harpers Ferry!
They hope to meet up with one of Chris' old friends from UDallas in Front Royal any day now.
Next major stop: food and family in Harpers Ferry!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
July 1, 2009
Hello again!
Jack and Chris reported that they reached Calf Mountain Shelter, Virginia on Monday night. Along the way, they met thru-hikers Sodfather who is hiking as he attempts to gain custody of his son out in Seattle and Chinese Tourist, a former major in economics. They saw a baby bear cub again, who bounded off the trail upon sight of them. They went 26.4 miles on Tuesday and reached Pinefield Hut on Tuesday night. They met a couple RVing their way to Montreal. They also met a hiker from Towson. They are nearing the half-way point, Pen-Mar Park. They are only about 8 miles behind their schedule of an average rate of 21 miles per day.
Jack and Chris reported that they reached Calf Mountain Shelter, Virginia on Monday night. Along the way, they met thru-hikers Sodfather who is hiking as he attempts to gain custody of his son out in Seattle and Chinese Tourist, a former major in economics. They saw a baby bear cub again, who bounded off the trail upon sight of them. They went 26.4 miles on Tuesday and reached Pinefield Hut on Tuesday night. They met a couple RVing their way to Montreal. They also met a hiker from Towson. They are nearing the half-way point, Pen-Mar Park. They are only about 8 miles behind their schedule of an average rate of 21 miles per day.
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